Is there a point that you'd like to add since you mentioned "being ready" before submitting the application?
@ hstubc well, did you make sure your document certifying the French proficiency is accepted by the officials? I remember being given a list at an immigration session hosted by Concordia's International Student Office with a list of all the approved establishments/exams (mine were Concordia transcripts). Hmm then I cannot think of much more, just being armed with patience and as other people say, being careful with little details such as not leaving ANY gaps on your activities and stating what you plan to do afterwards too. I have a couple of friends as well who had forgotten a small detail in one of the formularies and they got everything returned.
ALSO, I have updates.
- This week I was asked to pay the RTPR fee. I was excited until the e-mail stated "This request is not an indication that your application is nearing completion. Please note the standard processing times for applications for permanent residence within the category in which you have applied are available on our website at ....". The time for Ottawa is still around 20 months :'(.
-Upon payment, I was provided a government e-mail address to which submit my receipt. The akwnoledgement of receipt I got shown as being from Ottowa, so I can assume my application has been sent from Sydney to Ottawa.
- When I check the CIC portal, my status is still "APPLICATION RECEIVED" with the only two notifications being "1. We received your application for permanent residence on (early October 2013), and 2. Medical results have been received.".
This last thing makes me worried as they still have not changed it to "IN PROCESS". Any ideas why?! I recall someone saying that in their case the same "Application Received" status was displayed for like 7 months and it suddenly changed and right after his passport was requested. Is this right?
The letter also says "Admissibility review (security, criminality and/or medical) is still ongoing", is this normal? it has been 7 months since I submitted it.
Thanks!